Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance use in the workplace affects all employees. Being under the influence of drugs and alcohol causes risky and dangerous behaviour. Alcohol and drugs affect employees’ judgment, performance and safety levels. Some drugs can stay in a person’s system for 24 hours or longer, which means that employees report to work still under the influence even if they are not “using” during work time. That makes drug and alcohol use a workplace issue. 

Employers can make themselves more aware of possible drug and alcohol problems, with their employees, by learning more about substance use and abuse.

What are the warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse?

• Pattern of absences (e.g. Mondays & Fridays)
• Poor concentration, fatigue, missed deadlines, forgetfulness
• Becoming angry, withdrawn, errors in judgment
• Borrowing money from co-workers or asking for repeated advances on pay cheques
• Unfit for work
• Frequent accidents
• Irresponsible and unreliable in their area of work

“Do’s and Don’ts” for supervisors

• Do pay attention to warning signs of substance use
• Do enforce policies/consequences against substance use
• Do try to assist the employee to get professional help
• Don’t let the person work at a lower level of performance
• Don’t let fear of exposing the employee stop you from taking action
• Don’t let friendship with the employee prevent you from taking action
• Don’t let the problem become worse than it already is
• Don’t cover up or make excuses for the person

“Do’s and Don’ts” for co-workers

• Do talk to the person abuser about your concerns regarding his/her health, career and family responsibilities
• Do try to assist the person in receiving professional help
• Do inform your supervisor of your concerns about the safety of the person and your co-workers
• Don’t cover up or take over the person’s work responsibilities
• Don’t let friendship prevent you from reporting the person
• Don’t lend the person money to support the habit
• Don’t deny that your co-worker has a drug or alcohol problem

Why should your organization have a Drug and Alcohol Policy?

A workplace Alcohol & Drug Policy helps to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. A policy can set definite guidelines for employees of what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in the workplace and can outline appropriate actions to take if an employee has a concern about alcohol and drug use in the workplace. This promotes healthy lifestyles, prevention of substance use, early detection and treatment for people who abuse drugs and alcohol.

For more information and sample copies of Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policies click here for a sample alcohol policy collection from the Alcohol Policy Network.

What about alcohol at workplace parties?

A workplace social event, such as, holiday parties, retirements and farewells, often involve liquor consumption. Liability is an important concern for the employer sponsoring the event. For more information visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and click on the entertaining and food & drink icon.